The chicken's were peaceful creatures in a small village. You could carry them around and use their wings to slowly float to the ground when holding them over your head.

When slashing them with your sword they would accept it. Once, twice... and then they would attack you. That's why a chicken with "Enrage" immediately reminded me of Zelda.

And yes, Epona was Link's horse. You could summon it by playing a song on your Ocarina.

Sounds like you need to dive into this gem of retro gaming ;)